One-sided lower abdominal pain, light or irregular bleeding, and dizziness are among its potential symptoms
TV doctor Amir Khan has shed light on a potentially fatal issue that’s taken ‘very seriously in general practice’. The expert, who frequently appears on shows like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, said it can ‘happen to anyone’ and signs may be ‘subtle’ at first.
Captioning a post on Instagram yesterday (February 22), the doctor said: “Ectopic pregnancy is something we take very seriously in general practice, and I wanted to explain why. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, most commonly in a fallopian tube.
“Sadly, it can’t develop normally there, and as it grows, it can stretch or rupture the tube, causing dangerous internal bleeding. It can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher if there’s been previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, fertility treatment, or surgery affecting the tubes.
“Sometimes, though, there are no risk factors at all, which is why we always stay alert to the possibility in early pregnancy.” NHS figures suggest that roughly one in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic, equating to around 11,000 each year.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to save an ectopic pregnancy, as a baby won’t develop properly, and the mother’s health may be at risk if it continues. The fertilised egg must usually be removed using medication or surgery.
While ectopic pregnancies don’t always cause symptoms, ‘subtle’ signs may appear early on, potentially between the fourth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. Dr Khan suggests these may include one-sided lower stomach pain, light or irregular bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, or dizziness and feeling faint.
On Instagram, he continued: “And this is why, if someone might be pregnant and has these symptoms, we don’t ‘watch and wait’ in GP, we arrange urgent hospital assessment the same day. It’s not because we’re being alarmist; it’s because ectopic pregnancy can deteriorate quickly and become life-threatening.
“The reassuring news is that most ectopic pregnancies are treated successfully, especially when picked up early. But prompt assessment is what keeps women safe. So if you’re pregnant, or think you might be and have pain or bleeding, please seek urgent medical care.”
Official NHS guidance similarly recommends that pregnant individuals with adverse symptoms seek advice immediately. Brown watery discharge and discomfort when going to the toilet are among other red flags to watch out for.
However, call 999 for an ambulance or go directly to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department if you experience any of the following combinations:
- Nausea
- Looking very pale
- A sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy
- Feeling very dizzy or fainting
The NHS has explained: “These symptoms could mean that your fallopian tube has split open (ruptured). This is very serious and surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.
“A rupture can be life-threatening, but fortunately they’re uncommon and treatable, if dealt with quickly. Deaths from ruptures are extremely rare in the UK.” For more information, head to the NHS website here.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
